The New Orleans Pelicans (3-14) travel to Gainbridge Fieldhouse Saturday to take on the Indiana Pacers (6-11). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Pelicans at Pacers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Having recently returned SF Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans look like, at the very least, a capable team.
Despite being down 12 at half, the Pelicans roared back and took down the Clippers Friday night. On the season, they’re 7-10 against the spread (ATS) and 4-12-1 on the over/under.
The Pacers are a solid team from top to bottom with C Myles Turner, PG Malcolm Brogdon, SG Caris LeVert and PF Domantas Sabonis leading the charge.
The Pacers are 8-9 ATS and 6-11 on the over/under. It’s been a tough season, but now healthy, they’ll enter as home favorites.
Pelicans at Pacers odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:34 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Pelicans +265 (bet $100 to win $265) | Pacers -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +7.5 (-120) | Pacers -7.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 207.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Pelicans at Pacers key injuries
Pelicans
- PG Devonte Graham (foot) out
- F Zion Williamson (foot) out
Pacers
- SG Chris Duarte (shoulder) questionable
Pelicans at Pacers odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Pacers 108, Pelicans 103
Money line
PASS.
While the Pacers should come out on top, betting it against a capable Pelicans team at -350 just isn’t smart.
I’d look to the spread.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to the PELICANS +7.5 (-120) as they looked great against the Los Angeles Clippers Friday.
Ingram has brought a new spark to this team. With C Jonas Valančiūnas in the lineup as well, this team is full of playmaking with its star back in action.
The Pelicans have the 26th-best offensive rating and are even worse defensively. Ingram changes all that. Given a 7.5-point spread, they should be able to keep this game close.
Also, the Pacers have the 20th-best net rating in the NBA and have yet to show their playoff-caliber upside. Against a team that’s better than they’re given credit for, I think they’ll struggle to cover this spread.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the OVER 208.5 (-110) as the Pelicans are a different team with Ingram leading the way, and LeVert’s return has aided the Pacers offense. The Pacers rank 15th in offensive rating and 19th in defensive rating.
With 3-point shooting at all positions, the Pacers should be able to get points on the board. The Pacers are in the middle of the league in most key statistics.
The NBA’s Unders hitting at such a high rate has sent these numbers lower, and 208 is one of those that would’ve likely been far higher preseason.
With all the talent that should be taking the court, betting the Over feels like the better value.
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